Managing post-operative constipation
Constipation is one of the most common post-operative complications. post-operative constipation has many causes such as:
- Due to patient immobility following the surgery
- Due to the possible effect of anesthesia
- As a side effect for long use of analgesia especially narcotic analgesia
Constipation must be treated promptly when the patient is symptomatic, as it may lead to nausea, vomiting, and intestinal obstruction. Treatment of post-operative constipation include stool softeners, laxatives, and in some cases an anal enema may relief the patient’s constipation.
